Meet The Brickyard Road Soccer Field Project Manager

The Brickyard Road Soccer Field Project, which will transform a , is drawing attention in Potomac as well as other parts of the Washington, D.C., metro area.

The controversial project, like any other, needs a leader and Kassa Seyoum is the man for the job. As the project manager behind the Brickyard Road Soccer Field project, Seyoum receives feedback from the community and works to keep the project on course.

Seyoum, who has worked for Montgomery County for 21 years, took some time to talk with Potomac Patch about his job, his role in the project and how he deals with the controversy.

Patch: What is your role as project manager of the Brickyard Road Soccer Field Project?

Seyoum: Obtain clear direction on project goals and objectives from County Management concerning the development and issue of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a private developer to design, build and maintain soccer fields at the site. Other things include:

• Engage with the community to obtain input on RFP content and other issues.
• Develop and issue the RFP including coordination with County Attorney's Office and other County officials.
• After receipt of any proposals, work with other County staff to select and, as appropriate, enter into an agreement with a responsive developer.
• Coordinate with the selected private developer to design the soccer fields and related work in accordance with the RFP and applicable codes and regulations.
• Coordinate public briefings and receive input at key stages of the design process.
• Coordinate with the developer to construct the fields in accordance with the agreement and applicable codes and regulations.

Patch: What do you hope to accomplish with this project?

Seyoum: Design and build ball fields complete with amenities that will serve both the ball field needs of County youth and the Community with minimum impact to the neighborhood and the Potomac community at large.

Patch: There is lot of controversy surrounding the Brickyard Road Soccer Field Project, how do you deal with the criticism?

Seyoum: Not take the criticism personally, focus on task to be done to accomplish the goals and objectives set and engage in constructive discussion and listen to constructive criticism in an effort to do the right thing.

Patch: What is the best and the worst part of your job as project manager?

Seyoum: The best part of my job is turning visions and goals into reality (from strategic facility planning to design and construction) and seeing new facilities being used by the community. My least favorite part of the job? None.

Seyoum is via e-mail until Sept. 1. E-mail him at Kassa.Seyoum@montgomerycountymd.gov. He cal also be reached at 240-777-6114.